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Autolook Blog - Car news, auto events, tips and advices - Buy & Sell Cars in PakistanFri, 07 Jul 2017 10:43:25 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.15Let’s Have A Look At Fact and Rumors About New Cultushttp://autolook.com.pk/blog/lets-have-a-look-at-fact-and-rumors-about-new-cultus/
http://autolook.com.pk/blog/lets-have-a-look-at-fact-and-rumors-about-new-cultus/#commentsFri, 24 Feb 2017 04:10:41 +0000http://autolook.com.pk/blog/?p=2891Continue reading Let’s Have A Look At Fact and Rumors About New Cultus]]>
Today’s topic is focused primarily on to the much awaited new Suzuki Cultus. Pak-Suzuki’s campaign which started off with the introduction of Suzuki Kizashi shifted to fast lane with the super hyped launch of Suzuki Vitara and Suzuki Ciaz. Although all of these vehicles are CBU’s, Celerio aka New Cultus is reportedly being assembled in Pakistan. So what’s the significance of this car? In short, this car will be the first car to be launched after WagonR in under the 1000cc category. Rumors have been surfacing about this car from the past two years and a lot of people have commentated on them. So, We decided to do some research and talk to some of my own sources. The purpose was to short-list the most authentic sources based on the feedback received from internal sources as well as the conceivable logic behind each rumor. So without further ado, let’s go ahead and skim through the list:

First up; the dimensions of this new car. It is easy to observe stark differences in the proportions of new Suzuki Cultus against the old one. The newer shape features inspiration from the tall-boy design in the recent Suzuki cars.

Next up, Engine. This is a point where a lot of people have made outlandish predictions. Going as far as to claim that this car will be featuring Suzuki’s most fuel efficient K-next series engine. However, what people fail to account is that Pak-Suzuki is already offering a 1000cc K series engine in Pakistan in Suzuki WagonR. Sources are reporting that Pak-Suzuki will be rolling out this car with this tested and tried engine in this new car.

Transmission? Predictions have been made in the past that this car will be offered with a four-speed A/T and a five speed M/T and quite honestly It's true that the company will be offering this car with both these options.

Price? The most legit and logical conclusion is that Pak-Suzuki is going to strategically place this car above Suzuki WagonR and below Suzuki Swift, which will enable Pak-Suzuki to offer a more comprehensive product line-up. Safe to say, if we go by the above-stated logic then this New Cultus is likely to be launched with a price tag of 1.2-1.37 million rupees.

Availability? Sources are claiming that early booking for this car will start in late March to early April, followed by its launch in late June or early July of this year.

]]>http://autolook.com.pk/blog/lets-have-a-look-at-fact-and-rumors-about-new-cultus/feed/04 New Cars are Gonna Launched in Pakistan within 2017http://autolook.com.pk/blog/4-new-cars-are-gonna-launched-in-pakistan-within-2017/
http://autolook.com.pk/blog/4-new-cars-are-gonna-launched-in-pakistan-within-2017/#commentsThu, 15 Dec 2016 12:29:11 +0000http://autolook.com.pk/blog/?p=2723Continue reading 4 New Cars are Gonna Launched in Pakistan within 2017]]>
Ever since the implementation of the new auto policy 2016-2021, Pakistan’s automotive industry has been reinvigorated. The local auto manufacturers seem to have realised that the market is about to change and the country’s growing economic conditions are causing a paradigm shift towards a better lifestyle. So in these circumstances, where foreign investors are scrutinising the country’s market heavily to gauge its calibre, things are certainly about to change.

We have the month of December as an example, where Toyota has already launched two vehicles and Suzuki is expected to launch one too.

Granted none of the vehicles was aimed for the entry-level consumer, the fact remains that for the first time in its Pakistan will be witnessing a launch of three new vehicles in a single month. And it seems this frenzy is not going to stop anytime soon because the government has received confirmation of investment from multiple auto manufacturers, the local auto-assemblers are scrambling to sustain their brand followers by launching new products. In the latest development, PakWheels sources have revealed that the following cars will be launched in the year of 2017.

Suzuki Ciaz:

Yes, ladies and gentleman, it’s about time that Pakistan receives a much-needed option in its redundant entry-level sedan market. Suzuki Ciaz is expected to be priced competitively and will be launching in the first quarter of 2017.

All New Suzuki Cultus:

The Pakistani market is in desperate need of a small, affordable, modern, economical and locally manufactured car. As the Pakistan’s only small vehicle manufacturer, all hopes rest on Pak-Suzuki. The company introduced WagonR in 2014, and the car became an instant hit, which was partly due to Pak-Suzuki brand name, partly because it was locally manufactured and partly due to its relatively modern features as compared to other lower end cars (locally made) in Pakistan. PakWheels sources report that Suzuki Celario will be officially unveiled in the second quarter of 2017 under the brand tag of Suzuki Cultus. The all new Cultus is expected to come with a 1000cc engine and is sure to rejuvenate the local automobile industry.

Audi Q2:

Although the Audi brand signifies a higher end and luxury vehicles, the fact remains that the company is trying to tap into a greater chunk of consumers by offering them a low-end car with a few compromises on power and luxuries. In the latest development, Audi Pakistan has announced that it will be bringing a 1.0L Turbocharged FWD Q2 in Pakistan in the first quarter of 2017. Sources reveal that the vehicle will come at a highly competitive price of 3.0-3.3 million PKR and will offer a new opportunity of owning a prestigious brand.

Audi A5 Sports back:

The coupe cum sedan cum coupe is being described as the trimmed down Audi A7. This car is aimed to cater the medium-higher end German sedan consumers. Audi Pakistan will be announcing its tariff in the first quarter of 2017.

A simple call to Pak-Suzuki’s customer relations center to inquire about the disappearance of Kizashi revealed that:

Company had imported a limited number of Kizashi units in Pakistan and for now the company is not entertaining any further orders, which is why ‘Kizashi’ can’t be seen on the website

It should be noted that when Kizashi was launched in Pakistan, it was already a retired car in the international market. I am not against Kizashi, but it should be noted that (new) CBU’s are not very successful in Pakistan, which can be attributed to the imposition of higher taxes on them.

Furthermore, at Kizashi’s launch, company officials revealed that they have opted to introduce Kizashi in Pakistani market because there is more to Suzuki brand then economical cars. I personally believe that introducing this car was a calculated move on the company’s part to assess the response of Pakistanis to a higher end Suzuki car. Moreover, this also leads me to point out the Pak-Suzuki’s song, in which Kizashi was in the spotlights. Mehran, Cultus, Bolan and Ravi were not included in this video, which leads me to conclude with a question “Is the Pak-Suzuki hesitant to show its prehistoric vehicles, which play an integral role in generating the company’s revenue”?

The car comes with many features from high-end sedans like key-less entry & engine start, steering controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain sensing wipers, parking sensors and so on. It features a 2.4 liter engine with CVT transmission, paddle sifters or it could be selected with a 6-speed manual transmission. The whole package presented a price tag of 5 million rupees.

]]>http://autolook.com.pk/blog/finally-suzuki-kizashi-leaves-pakistani-auto-market/feed/0Suzuki Ciaz Can Be A Real Threat To Honda City In Pakistanhttp://autolook.com.pk/blog/suzuki-ciaz-can-be-a-real-threat-to-honda-city-in-pakistan/
http://autolook.com.pk/blog/suzuki-ciaz-can-be-a-real-threat-to-honda-city-in-pakistan/#commentsSat, 16 Apr 2016 09:10:19 +0000http://autolook.com.pk/blog/?p=2185Continue reading Suzuki Ciaz Can Be A Real Threat To Honda City In Pakistan]]>
The automotive industry in Pakistan isn’t that diverse and has little to offer to its customers. The three giants have hardly had any disturbance from any other competitors, as whoever came in was washed out due to various factors; lack of after sales support, less know-how of mechanical and electrical systems, low resale value, etc. Toyota, Suzuki, and Honda all Japanese origin do share similarities and have offerings almost alike. Suzuki (Pakistan) being more of a small cars expert, like Mehran, Cultus, and Wagon R to suit the needs of middle-class families whereas Toyota and Honda have always been in competition.

Toyota Pakistan has competed with Honda City and Civic with its highest seller, Corolla. Though Toyota Corolla (Grande/Altis) does make sense competing with Civic, Corolla XLi/GLi doesn’t seem to go head to head with City, primarily because one car can’t perfectly compete in two different categories/classes. But it still seems to work this way in Pakistan at least. Although Suzuki has not stepped up after its not-so-popular Baleno and Liana against City and Corolla, it can still compete with Honda City if they bring their newest addition Suzuki Ciaz to Pakistani market. The all new Suzuki Ciaz looks pretty much like the New Honda City (2016-17) in shape and has decent features. It comes in two variants (petrol and diesel), with 20-28km/l fuel efficiency, 1.4L and 1.3L engine capacity, respectively. It does look pretty classy and has a great set of features to offer, at least in India.

Suzuki Ciaz could also prove to be a sneaky competitor for Toyota Corolla XLi and GLi. In Pakistan, when it comes to choosing Honda City and Toyota Corolla (XLi/GLi), the decision is made primarily on the basis of personal choice, but that decision is backed by a number of factors as well. For Instance, Toyota is known for solid suspension, overall durability and generally cheaper maintenance, whereas Honda is known for better engines and features. However, Suzuki Ciaz could fit in amongst the rivals and can create better competition for its class.

]]>http://autolook.com.pk/blog/suzuki-ciaz-can-be-a-real-threat-to-honda-city-in-pakistan/feed/0Sales of Cars In Pakistan Up By 17pc In First 9 Months Of FY2015-16http://autolook.com.pk/blog/sales-of-cars-in-pakistan-up-by-17pc-in-first-9-months-of-fy2015-16/
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The Pakistani automobile sector is having one of its best times with regards to sales. The first nine months (July’15-Mar’16) of FY2015-16 saw sales of 64,882 units of cars (1300 cc and above) compared to 55,255 units of cars in July’14-Mar’15. That is an increase of more than 17%. Total number of cars (all cc) stood at 137,206 for July’15-Mar’16 compared to 105,344 units of July’14-Mar’15 (increase of 30.25%).

Honda Civic and City sales were up a bit more than 2000 units in July’15-Mar’16 (18,542) compared to 16,405 units in July’14-Mar’15. Suzuki Swift only had an increase of 407 units (2,996 units compared to 2589 units). And as expected, Toyota Corolla saw the most increase with 43,344 units sold in July’15-Mar’16 compared to 36,238 units in July’14-Mar’15. That is an increase of 19.6%.

In under 1000 cc category, Suzuki Wagon R has taken the top spot with 6,857 units this fiscal year compared to 3,337 units in first nine months of the previous financial year. That is an increase of impressive 105.48%. The sales have more than doubled. Although the news that Cultus will be discontinued soon has been circulating lately, that has not deterred people from buying the popular hatchback, and Suzuki has managed to sell a tad more than 1000 units in current fiscal year’s first 9th months (11,747 units in July’15-Mar’16).

In sub 800 cc cars, both Mehran, and Bolan have seen healthy sales with 28,367 unit of Mehran and 25,348 units of Bolan sold in July’15-Mar’16 compared to 22,269 and 13,932 units respectively in corresponding months of FY2014-15. For Suzuki Bolan, that is an increase of almost 82%. And same is the case with Suzuki Ravi. Suzuki managed to sell 25,348 units in July’15-Mar’16 compared to 13,999 units in July’14-Mar’15. The high sales of both Bolan and Ravi can be safely attributed to Punjabi Green Taxi Scheme.

In motorcycles, as expected, Honda took the winning spot with 601,764 units in July’15-Mar’16 compared to 464,839 units in July’14-Mar’15. And that is an increase of notable 29.5%. The new entrant Yamaha has been able to sell 12,380 unit in these nine months. But on the other hand, Suzuki motorcycle sales have fallen to 13,119 this year compared to 16,668 units in corresponding months of last financial year. United Auto Motorcycles, the makers of motorcycles and 3-wheelers posted sales of remarkable 192,304 units in these nine months compared to 169,131 units in 9 months of last fiscal year.

The auto industry has no doubt seen some healthy growth and number of sales of cars in Pakistan is a proof of that. Although there have been instances where some companies have posted fewer sales compared to last year, but overall, one can safely say that the general trend has been positive. Since the new auto policy has been announced, it will be interesting to see how it would impact the sales of current leaders and if the threat of new entrant will make them tighten their game.

]]>http://autolook.com.pk/blog/sales-of-cars-in-pakistan-up-by-17pc-in-first-9-months-of-fy2015-16/feed/0Pak Suzuki Wants a Treatment To Introduce New Cars In Pakistanhttp://autolook.com.pk/blog/pak-suzuki-wants-a-treatment-to-introduce-new-cars-in-pakistan/
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Suzuki Motor Corporation sent a letter to Ministry of Industries and Production stating their intentions to bring two new models to Pakistan, along with the replacements of Suzuki Mehran and Cultus. But it all depends on the nature of incentives provided to the current three Japanese carmakers working in Pakistan. Suzuki Motor Corporation is looking for the same incentives, for themselves as well as their two compatriots, Government of Pakistan has promised to potential new entrants.

Suzuki plans to bring out new cars and replacement in the next five years with the investment of $110 million.Pak Suzuki Motor Company has already acquired 77 acres of land for their proposed plan. Suzuki is also looking for stricter regulations for the imports of used cars and major cuts in import duties.

Suzuki has suggested 10% import duty on auto components (including Amax parts) and 25% import duty on the parts for cars of over 1000cc engine. Currently its 32.5% import duty on normal parts and 50% on Amax parts. Suzuki wants the government to control the imports of the used cars of all categories in a bid to promote the sales of locally assembled cars strictly.
Managing Officer of Suzuki Motor Corporation and chairman of PSMC, Kinji Saito, wrote in the letter addressed to Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi, the Minister of Industries and Production,

“Unnecessarily higher import duties result in a rise in cost and prices of locally produced cars; it also results in the lower sale of cars in the country. Also, it is difficult to localize Amax parts as new technology is required which is not available in Pakistan.”

Saito further said,

“In relation to the human resource, we will continue training courses for employees of Pak Suzuki in Japan and development of mechanics for the dealership tied up with the Aman Institute of Vocational Training.”

“We are also going to cooperate with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority in enhancing the level of vending industry in Pakistan through a four-year technical transfer project.”

Suzuki is looking for special treatment for small car manufacturers claiming smaller cars can play an important part in Pakistan’s energy crisis. Smaller cars are more fuel efficient hence reducing the burden of exchequer with regards to the petroleum products. Small cars like Suzuki 660cc can help Pak Suzuki penetrate the current import-centric market.

It is yet to be seen how the Pakistan government will counter Suzuki’s suggestions. But for now, it can be said with a certainty that Pakistani auto sector is in the eyes of many international players as a next potential destination. Fiat is one of the latest interested party after Renault and Russians.

]]>http://autolook.com.pk/blog/pak-suzuki-wants-a-treatment-to-introduce-new-cars-in-pakistan/feed/0Pak-Suzuki is Going to Replace Suzuki Cultus with Suzuki Celerio in 2016http://autolook.com.pk/blog/pak-suzuki-is-going-to-replace-suzuki-cultus-with-suzuki-celerio-in-2016/
http://autolook.com.pk/blog/pak-suzuki-is-going-to-replace-suzuki-cultus-with-suzuki-celerio-in-2016/#commentsThu, 26 Nov 2015 10:34:40 +0000https://autolook.com.pk/news/?p=1479Continue reading Pak-Suzuki is Going to Replace Suzuki Cultus with Suzuki Celerio in 2016]]>
Pak-Suzuki has announced Suzuki Cultus 2016 is going to be replaced with Suzuki Celerio 2016.

Pak Suzuki has been in the market since long. It has enjoyed several successful glorious years of increasing sales trends. However, in recent times with the new trends in auto industry and usage of social media, consumers’ taste has changed as Suzuki since quite a while, has not been innovative in the Pakistani market. It has been producing Suzuki Mehran in the market since 1980’s and has not introduced several changes in the model since its launch. The sale of Mehran hence has now faced a declining sales trend.

Due to several new variants developed by the competitors catering to different target markets, the consumers now have a wide choice to choose from and it’s hard to say that Suzuki Mehran has hardly remained a choice for them. If we consider each factor leading to consumer choices, we will find that for instance in the case of efficient fuel consumption we now have hybrid cars, and we now also have several options for economically budget constrained consumers.

Hence, in the current market scenario Suzuki having discontinued its Alto, no innovation in Mehran, the failure of Wagon R, is having quite a tough time.

To recapture what’s lost and get back in the action again Suzuki has decided to replace its Cultus with the all new Maruti Suzuki Celerio. So much to its excitement, the new Celerio would feature a 3-cylinder engine which is known to be K10B. This new engine is the K-Next series. It doesn’t have a clutch pedal and hence, would provide an ease in shifting gears without the effort of pushing on the pedal.

Speculators say Celerio would be a huge success and its sales would reach new heights. The designers of Suzuki have tried to develop the Celerio as a similar model to Suzuki Swift.

Suzuki Celerio would add to the large Suzuki automobile model as compared to its competitors and would provide a sense of innovative touch to the current portfolio so as to develop a perception of the corporate brand of Suzuki as keeping up with the changing trends among its target market.

Keeping in view the race for market share in 1000CC cars, the competition is also keeping up as Toyota recently has also announced to assemble Vitz and Vios in Pakistan which would not only reduce the cost of these models but would also increase the buyers’ confidence as now there would be no need to import Vitz having no surety of how much its value is depreciated before being previously reconditioned, also not to mention the import duties levied on these cars because now they would have the opportunity to buy a brand new model from within Pakistan and that too at a cheaper price.